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Divorce route planner: which route suits you, and how long will it take?

Since 6 April 2022 the sole ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown. This tool maps your route in a few clicks.

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By Sital Somaiya, Founder and Solicitor. Last reviewed 15 October 2026.

Every divorce in England and Wales now follows the same no-fault process, but the right route depends on your situation. Applying on your own or jointly with your spouse, and when you apply for the final order, can make a real difference.

Answer a few questions to see which route suits you, your key dates, and what to sort out alongside the divorce. It takes about two minutes, and nothing you enter is stored unless you ask us to call you.

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Just three details before you start.

We'll send you a copy of your result and, if useful, a solicitor will call you back within 1 working day. No obligation.

By continuing you agree to our privacy policy. We only use these details to send your result and, if you want, arrange a callback.

How the planner works

The planner asks Why it matters
How long you have been married You cannot apply for divorce in the first year of marriage
Whether you both agree the marriage is over A joint application only works if you both want to proceed and will each confirm every stage
Whether there has been abuse or controlling behaviour A sole application means you do not depend on your spouse to move forward
Whether either of you lives abroad Jurisdiction and service can need extra steps
Whether your finances are agreed This affects when you should apply for the final order
Whether you have children together Arrangements for children are dealt with separately from the divorce

Your timeline explained

Stage Earliest timing
Application issued by the court Week 0
Acknowledgement of service (sole applications) Within 14 days of your spouse receiving the papers
Apply for the conditional order From week 20
Conditional order pronounced Usually a few weeks after applying
Apply for the final order 6 weeks and 1 day after the conditional order
Divorced From about week 26, usually later

The planner shows these as dates from your chosen start date. Court processing times vary, so treat the later dates as the earliest possible rather than a promise. Our divorce timeline explains what causes delays.

Sole or joint: how the planner decides

The planner recommends a joint application only where you both want to proceed, communicate well and there are no safety concerns. In every other situation it recommends a sole application, because a sole applicant does not depend on the other spouse to move the divorce forward. A joint application can become sole later if your spouse stops cooperating, but a sole application cannot become joint. Our sole or joint guide explains the differences in full.

If you have received divorce papers

If your spouse has already applied, you are the respondent. You should complete the acknowledgement of service within 14 days of receiving the papers. You cannot stop the divorce because you disagree with it, but there are steps you should take to protect the home and your financial claims. See our guide to acknowledgement of service.

What to sort out alongside the divorce

  • Money and property. The divorce does not divide anything. You need a consent order or a financial order made by the court, ideally with a clean break.
  • Pensions. Often the largest asset after the home. See our pension sharing order guide.
  • Children. Agree arrangements between you, through mediation, or with a child arrangements order if needed.
  • The home. If it is in your spouse’s name, protect your home rights.
  • Timing of the final order. Usually after the financial order. See our final order guide.

Guides to read next

Frequently asked questions

How long does a divorce take?

At least 26 weeks from the date the court issues the application, made up of a 20-week reflection period and 6 weeks and 1 day before the final order. Most take longer because of court processing and the finances.

Should we apply jointly or on my own?

Jointly if you both agree and will cooperate at every stage. On your own if your spouse is unlikely to engage, there has been abuse, or you want control of the timing. The planner gives a recommendation based on your answers.

Can my spouse stop the divorce?

No. They can only dispute it on narrow legal grounds such as jurisdiction or the validity of the marriage, not because they disagree with it.

Does the divorce sort out the house and money?

No. Property, savings and pensions are dealt with separately, through an agreement made into a consent order or a decision by the court.

Is my information stored?

No. Your answers are used only to show your plan. We only receive your details if you choose to request a callback.

Sources

Talk to us

Signature Law handles divorce, finances and child arrangements in Romford, Essex and East London, in English, Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu. Speak to our divorce solicitors in Romford.

Request a callback, or call 01708 398 851.